Phil 3.31.17

Driving each classification of political system, according to Montesquieu, must be what he calls a “principle”. This principle acts as a spring or motor to motivate behavior on the part of the citizens in ways that will tend to support that regime and make it function smoothly.

For democratic republics (and to a somewhat lesser extent for aristocratic republics), this spring is the love of virtue—the willingness to put the interests of the community ahead of private interests.

For monarchies, the spring is the love of honor—the desire to attain greater rank and privilege.

Finally, for despotisms, the spring is the fear of the ruler.

A political system cannot last long if its appropriate principle is lacking. Montesquieu claims, for example, that the English failed to establish a republic after the Civil War (1642–1651) because the society lacked the requisite love of virtue.

7:00 – 8:00 Research

Some back-and forth with Wane on him attending the CI conference.

Nice talk with Don yesterday. Played with LaTex and discussed how, what and why to change behaviors of the particles going forward.